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Sean Farrell (9 KP) rated The Fault in Our Stars in Books

Mar 15, 2018

One of the most moving books I've ever read. The story of two teenagers falling in love is hardly anything new, but the fact that one has survived cancer (and lost a leg in the process) and the other is suffering from an almost certainly uncurable cancer adds a new, and heartbreaking wrinkle to the story. The characters all come off as very grounded in reality, and while capable of some witty dialogue, don't come off as unbelievably clever as say, the teens in "Juno". The illness itself is treated very realistically as well, with every bit of suffering arising throughout the book, while never being allowed to take over entirely. Due to the somewhat brief length of the book and also largely to how addictively well-written it is, I finished it in 2 sittings. One of the most beautiful love stories I've ever read, and one that will stick with me for a long time to come.

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ClareR (5674 KP) rated She Was The Quiet One in Books

Jun 13, 2018

She Was The Quiet One

Michele Campbell | 2018 | Fiction & Poetry, Mystery, Thriller

7.6

(5 Ratings)

Book Rating

Boarding School drama

This is my second boarding school drama in under a month, and whilst I thought this was better than Tradition, I still found it hard going in parts. There's a lot of teenage angst which frankly, I am well past the need to experience (other than having to live the dream of being the mother to a hormonal teenaged boy). There were just so many FEELINGS and it all got a bit hard going towards the mid-way point. It was a great mystery though. I didn't guess the perpetrator until about 70% in to the story, so that's not a bad thing. Others might get to it earlier. I could have well done without the epilogue at the end though. It seemed really out of place, and not like the rest of the novel at all. I don't think it added anything to the story.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher.

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Nicole Hadley (380 KP) rated Ecosystems in Books

Jun 18, 2018

Ecosystems by Mary Lindeen is an informative, non-fiction book in the Physical Science Series. The book provides an interesting way that is easy for children to understand about some of the ecosystems in the world. Some of the things explained include location, climate and what might be living there.

This is an early reader book so will also help to reinforce reading skills and build confidence. At the back of the book it lists the high frequency words as well as content words that can be pre-taught or discussed if the book is being read aloud. There are facts given during the reading accompanied by wonderful photos and many labels. The section at the back for parents and teachers gives suggested activities for connecting concept as well as resources for further investigation.

I recommend this book for young readers and for parents and teachers to read to children.

I received this ARC from NetGalley via Norwood House Press in exchange for an honest review.

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☽LUNA☾ RAMBLING (2 KP) rated Twilight's Dawn (The Black Jewels, #9) in Books

Sep 24, 2018

I am so disappointed with this ending. I recently came across this series and absolutely devoured the beginning trilogy. I was in love. Bought the rest of the books in the series and was slowly poisoned. The other books did not produce the same feelings I got with the first three. The Shalador novellas finally gave me some feels and felt well thought out. But this ending for WITCH!?! I think not. Why build such an intense, strong and facetted character to give her such a weak ending. I really don't feel it jibed with this character that was the reason in this world. And poor Surreal, she was such a great character as well, she deserved a better ending. I feel like this was an ending that would arise if an author had a knife against their throat being threatened to get an ending wrapped up in an afternoon lol. Okay rant over....

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Merissa (11953 KP) rated The Hawk's Shadow (Black Earth, Prequel) in Books

Dec 17, 2018

The idea of bridging one book to a new trilogy via a novella was, well, brilliant and 'novel' if you pardon the pun. I am not usually a big fan of novellas as I prefer to have more detail which is usually denied me due to the length. However, being as this dealt with characters from "Raven's Heart" so you have already been introduced to them and their lives and struggles. This story continues on perfectly with two of them - Hawkwing and his brother, The White Demon/Collin.

For such a short book there is a lot of detail which was fantastic to read. There is a reference (to Hawkwing and his health) which is a reference to Raven's Heart but this in no ways mars the general flow of the story.

Well paced, good characters, in-depth story told and a wonderful way to start a new trilogy. Really enjoyed this one.

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Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017) in Movies

Dec 10, 2019

Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle (2017)

2017 | Action, Adventure, Comedy

8.0

(306 Ratings)

Movie Rating

The rock, yes he is pretty badass in this, but he captured the person playing him (no idea how to explain that part lol) well. (1 more)

It was actually quite funny.

Exceeding expectations

All the 4 avatar characters are awesome and well played. You get the sense of the person behind the avatar. I loved Jack Black, whom I usually cannot stand. Kevin Hart was his usual brilliantly funny self, the rock i mentioned in my good bits and Karen Gillan was fabulous!!!
I was sceptical, being a HUGE fan of Jumanji. After they get to the tree house with a little shout out to Alan Parish (which i absolutely loved, melted my heart, felt like something so natural, to give a nod to the comedy legend Robin Williams.) It definitely didn't feel like an insult to the orginal, more like a tribute in a way. I glimspe into where Alan spent all those years.